(see rating details)

Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

Without edifying myself, this unit is awesome for remix dj’s, producers, and musicians looking for a plethora of sounds outside of traditional “sample packs” due to what you can do with what comes in the box. You can use it via the MPC software or standard analog with traditional outputs that you’d get Motifs, Tritons, rack modules, etc. It truly combines multiple worlds into one cohesive unit. Be warned…if you are a rack junky the MIDI options are limited but will suffice for those of who are diverse and use a multitude of sound sources. I.E. a few necessary racks, a couple of high end plugins like Kontakt, Aurturia, etc. With the software, you combine your complete ITB arsenal with the included sounds from Akai for a truly unique blend of sounds. You can also use plugins versions of most DAW’s like Reason and Maschine to bring everything to one place and create. You can also connect both this with an MPC and start one project with either one and finish with the other workflow from either machine using the software. Meaning you can program your drums with an MPC (in the software) save it, power the MPC, and the power on the Key61, and proceed with melodies, bass, chords etc within the same project! You can even export MIDI files via the software. Get it all right and then export your stems to your mixing DAW. Badabing!!!If that isn’t your style, you can go straight analog and record straight out via XLR outputs like a traditional board and even use the included MIDI interface to control your outboard sound modules! Regardless if you produce ITB or straight software, you can flavor your sound and mix within the unit and color your stems with the included EFX, guitar pads, etc accordingly. That way you can essentially cut down on the coloring process during post! IMHO it’s a game changer because it offers a hybrid and rich sounding approach to production and on the fly sound design.Of course…I was able to get this unit through zzounds awesome payment plan which made this whole review possible. GET IT!! It will eliminate the need for any MIDI keyboard you currently use moving forward with seemingly limitless creative possibilities yo!

Musical Background:

Musical Style:

(see rating details)

Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

They Key 61 can be the centerpiece to your music production studio. With all the includes patches, the ability to sample, stems access, etc, there's literally nothing you can't do musically on this device. The keybed is not perfect, but it feels good enough to play on. I believe they are semi-weighted, and they feel good to hit. You can plug your expression and sustain pedals into the unit and really get busy with some keys. The touchstrip is the oft ignored star of the show on this device. You can trigger effects and note repeat using it, and it really comes in handy when live recording or playing live. I love my Key 61 and I think it's the best MPC on the market right now. I with the screen had the ability to tilt up, but I don't have any issues seeing it, that's just a want I find with most of the MPCs. I went from the One, to the Live 2, and now I have the Key 61. Keep in mind this bad boy is a bigun, so make sure you have the space to place it in your studio. 61 keys is plenty to play on, and it has all the normal keyboard bells and whistles like Octave + or - and two great pitch mod wheels. I'm in love with this unit I swear. I hope Decksaver releases a decksaver for it so I can protect it and keep it looking nice and working for many years to come!

Musical Background:

Musical Style:

(see rating details)

Verified Purchaser zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.

95% of this machine is great. It's got good sounds, MPC 3 is intuitive and easy to use, most of it is really high quality- though the keyboard is mid. My only problem with it is the mic preamps for the XLR ports. They're not good. My 5th gen Rode NT1 is very faint. I actually stopped using them and just hooked up a Scarlet Solo audio interface instead because the sound was 5x better. Literally, I compared the unedited wave forms. Aside from that it's great. I really like making stuff with it. I do more linear recording- not into loops- which was a pain on MPC 2, but MPC 3 made all the bad stuff go away.

Musical Background:

Musical Style:

(see rating details)

Verified Purchaser zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.

First piece to building my home recording studio. My expectations are far exceeded with this machine. I have done a lot of research and read many reviews that align with how I feel about this keyboard. zZounds, thank you!

Musical Background:

(see rating details)

Verified Purchaser zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.

Future classic, all around incredible machine.

(see rating details)

Love it! It’s so easy to use